The Common Read Committee at UC San Diego is pleased to announce the 2026 UC San Diego Common Read: “Against Breaking: On the Power of Poetry,” by Ada Limón, the 24th Poet Laureate of the United States, 2024 Time magazine Woman of the Year, and a 2023 MacArthur fellow.
“Against Breaking: On the Power of Poetry” is an impactful book that demonstrates poetry as a powerful force for healing, a call to action, and a vibrant celebration of humanity’s many voices. Limón delivers a powerful message that poetry has the ability to restore, connect, and remind us of our shared existence.
Several campuswide events and activities are being planned for the 2026-27 academic year to celebrate the Common Read Year of Poetry at UC San Diego, including a campus visit from the author.
Save the Date
An Evening with the Author - Ada Limón | Thursday, October 22 | 6 p.m. | Epstein Family Amphitheater
Call for Programs
Faculty, staff, and registered student organizations are invited to host an event or activity to be included on the Common Read Year of Poetry events calendar. For details, please visit the Common Read website.
About Common Read
The UC San Diego Common Read program identifies and provides a book for all new, first-year, transfer, graduate and professional students to engage in a shared experience as the newest members of our Triton community. Current members of the UC San Diego community are also invited to read the book and attend campuswide events. Visit the Common Read website throughout the summer for the latest updates and more information about the program, book, author, and events.
We would like to thank the 2026 Common Read Committee and College Writing Program Directors, for identifying books for consideration, providing feedback and thoughtfully engaging with this important program.
For questions or comments, please contact commonread@ucsd.edu.
Happy reading,
